"So you've been avoiding me?" I pressed, my voice dripping with challenge.
"No," she shot back, eyes darting away.
"Then what have you been up to?" I cornered her in the dimly lit corner store, my body pushing her back against the frosty glass of the cold drinks freezer. The chill from the metal seeped through her shirt, but it was nothing compared to the heat radiating between us.
"And you haven't worn the bracelet, either," I continued, my tone low and intense as I lifted her arm, my fingers brushing against her wrist. No telltale indentation marked her skin. She squirmed beneath my grip, her body pressing firmly against mine, trying to carve out some space.
"Here, take it back," she murmured, her fingers sliding over the fabric, trying to push it away from me. I tightened my hold on her wrist, feeling the warmth of her skin seeping through my fingers.
"Did I ask for it back? Was that my question? Or did I demand to know why you haven't been wearing it?" I leaned in closer, desperate to see her face, to lock onto her gaze—even when her eyes remained stubbornly averted from mine.
"Aye, lovebirds, out of my store with that! Buy or leave!" a voice barked from behind the counter, breaking the tension. I reluctantly pulled her away from the cold embrace of the freezer, gripping her firmly as I steered her toward the door.
Once we burst outside into the fresh air, she broke free, darting off in the opposite direction. I didn't chase after her, but a satisfied grin crept onto my lips. She still had my bracelet clutched tightly in her hand. And she better start wearing it, or else.
